Saturday, July 24, 2010

The temperature today was 94 degrees, and the heat index was 104. I even heard on the radio that we were under a heat advisory, and if we had any older neighbors we should check on them. I waited until about noon to be checked on, but no one came. So I decided that it was just too hot and muggy to do anything around the house. I remembered that the BLAST FROM THE PAST car show was in town. Over 600 cars in town. They closed off the streets and parked these beauties every where. Most were on the main drag, which is about 8 blocks long.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Took a couple of minute off from the Noah's Arks and animals to carve a mini Civil War soldier bust. The carving measures 1/4 inch wide x 3/4 inch tall. After carving, dipped it into sanding sealer, waited for it to dry then applied Mylands dark wax and buffed.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Ark number 2 is done, and measures 15 inches from bow to stern, and 18 inches tall. Just need to wax it.

My plan to complete all the arks took a turn when someone just ordered 5. Now I must find the time to make some more. Egads! Right now I'm painting the first thing in the morning, when eyes are fresh and hands more steady. About 2 hours maximum per morning for painting. Next is about 2 hours of carving animals. In the afternoon I spend some time carving Santa's and any other things. Busy busy busy!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Several days ago I might have mentioned that the Flower girls and I were going to play Tom Sawyer. Instead of me painting some Noah's Arks I would get the Flower girls to do it for me. I asked their mom, and she said I didn't know what I was getting into. But she said alright. I set up a table with a tarp over it. Brought out two small paint brushes, and a bucket with about 2 inches of paint in it. I put an old tee shirt on each girl, and turned them loose. The stack of photos shows nearly everything, except the clean up. What did I learn? That you really can paint with your hands if are so inclined.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Here's the new "economy" Noah's Ark, completed. I plan to have several of these available at a Christmas Fair (Sale) in November. I'll have 6 pairs of animals, plus Mr/Mrs Noah for each of the arks. This Ark is 13 inches tall and 12 inches long.

Now I just need to put a price on it. Any suggestions? Lets hear from you.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

This is a new design for a smaller Noah's Ark. The animals that I placed on the Ark are about 2" tall. I am attempting to arrive at a design that will work with 6 pairs of animals. In this manner I am hoping to keep the price lower. I'll post a photo of the completed Ark tomorrow.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

I'm thinkin the Flower girls must be gettin a wee bit bored this summer. I need to get some paint on some Noah's Arks. I think I'm goin to try to get them to paint the Ark hulls with me. I've got the dark brown paint, some sponge brushes, lots of blue tarps, and some old tee shirts they can wear. Wish me luck!

Monday, July 12, 2010

If you notice, I like to paint the Noah's Arks in various shades of BROWN, GREEN, RED.These colors are bright enough to appeal to kids and still retain a certain subdued look for collectors. I seldom pay full price for paints. Sears used to label all mixed paints that did not work out as "OPPS" paint; and then discount it. As you can see I am using FLAT wall paint for the most part. Check out the prices on the cans ($1.00 - $4.00).

Each time I select a paint to use, I like to make a sample on scrap wood. I want to make sure that the selected paint dries to the proper color.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

The wood that is used in the arks is 3/4" pine, 1/4" plywood. and recycled crown molding and other moldings.

When ever possible I use recycled or end cuts of 1/4" plywood too. I have several builders who drop stuff off for me.

When I make just one or two arks at a time I usually paint the pieces before assembly. This time, doing six at a time, I don't have the room to paint each component separately. I'll assemble and paint after. Probably will be more difficult.

Friday, July 9, 2010

ChristmasFair is a craft fair featuring 150 artists and crafters with unique, handcrafted items....pottery, folk art, paintings, stained glass, jewelry, photography and much, much more. 2010 is the 24th year for ChristmasFair!

I am one of the 150 that participate in this event. This will be the first time for me, and I have begun to build the items I'll have for sale. In addition to the Santa ornaments, pencil toppers, and just plain carved Santa's; I'll have Noah's Arks.

Beginning in the next few days, I'll be posting up my progress in preparing for this event. I'll be posting photos of the Arks and the various stages of their construction. I'll show photos of carving and painting progress of the pairs of animals.

I may also try something that I've always wanted to do. That being, attempting to price the Noah's Arks; with your input.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Well the flower girls made it back from there vacation. Two weeks Colorado and Kansas. While they were gone I repaired a rescued gnome that was their favorite, but broken. Then I returned it plus a smaller new one to their flower garden. They noticed them both within one hour. I overheard the oldest one telling the younger one that it's proof that gnomes have magic. She said, "I remember mom threw Mordecai in the trash last year, because his leg was broken off."

You all know that it's hot. 93 degrees here and no wind. The girls have a large inflatable pool that they filled with water, and have lots of fun playing in it. I go over and talk with them, and they try to splash me; but either their mom or dad tells them not to get me wet. And generally they listen and stop splashing. Well this PM I decided to have some fun. I emptied my pockets, took off my shoes, and left my glasses at home. I walked over and started to talk to the girls , and as soon as they started to splash me; I jumped in. Needless to say, they were stunned. So was their mom. Also, needless to say, we (I) had a ball. I am nice and cool now.

About Me

Retired male. Next birthday will be 78. Spend most of my time carving and quilting. Retired early (51) from a major university; so I am gettin this retirement thing down real good. I talked myself into wood carving. My daughter talked me into making quilts.